Zoo News

Papa, Blank Park Zoo Donkey, Picks New York to win Big Game

Papa, Blank Park Zoo’s miniature Donkey picks New York to win the Big Game

For Immediate Release

DES MOINES, Iowa (February 3, 2012) – Blank Park Zoo’s miniature donkey, Papa, picked New York to win the big game on Sunday. The good-natured donkey was led out to two boxes, both with treats that donkeys like to eat. After looking at what New England offered for a few seconds, he picked New York to win the big game. He didn’t bother to sample what the Patriots were offering.

“He is clearly not a big fan of Tom Brady,” said Ryan Bickel, zoo spokesperson.

A lot is riding on Papa’s pick as the Zoo is currently 2-0 in picking the winner of the big game. Last fall, the zoo’s Japanese macaques also picked the winner of the Iowa-Iowa State football game.

So why did the zoo choose Papa the donkey to pick the winner? The zoo is not stating a reason, but according to an insider speaking on a condition of anonymity, the donkey “is not afraid of being called an ass if he is wrong.”

About Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, will be open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. this winter. Winter admission rates are $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and $5 for seniors and active military. Children two years and under and Blank Park Zoo members are free. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at . The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) The AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization that sets rigorous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America's largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife.